In the second Test match at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, India won the toss and elected to bat first against England. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, confirmed the debut of Rajat Patidar, while Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar joined the playing XI for the injured KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.
Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has been rested for the second Test, with the BCCI stating, “The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and the amount of cricket he has played in recent times. Siraj will be available for selection for the third Test in Rajkot. Avesh Khan has re-joined the team for the 2nd Test.”
Rohit Sharma, after winning the toss, expressed confidence in batting first on what seemed like a good pitch. He emphasized the need to execute plans and move on from the previous match’s history. The skipper acknowledged the injuries but emphasized the depth of the squad with players sitting on the bench.
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England captain Ben Stokes, if given the choice, would have batted first as well. Reflecting on the last week’s victory, Stokes acknowledged India’s resilience and anticipated a tough challenge. England made two changes in their playing XI, with Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson coming in for Jack Leach and Mark Wood.
Playing XIs:
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India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar
England:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson
The stage is set for a riveting contest as India looks to set a formidable total in their first innings, and England’s bowlers aim to make early breakthroughs.
-IANS
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